Joe Wilburn Hicks, age 78 of Wanette, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at his home. He was born April 20, 1938 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

He was the youngest of five children born to Jess and Marie Hicks.

Joe grew up a farm boy, living and attending school in the Noble area.

He married the love of his life, Wanda Jean Sterling on November 15, 1957 in Norman. Together they raised three sons, Joe Bob, Larry and Brad. They lived most of their lives in Noble before moving to a farm near Wanette in 1989.

Joe worked all of his life in the aviation industry. He began working as an aviation mechanic and worked his way up the corporate ladder. Throughout his life he worked for various companies including, Catlin Aviation, Ratheon Corporation, Hodges Aviation and Davidson.

Joe loved the life style of country living. He enjoyed raising cattle, gardening, deer hunting and trout fishing. Throughout his life he and his family loved going to Colorado.

Joe was a faithful Christian and active member of the Wanette First Baptist Church for over 20 years. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all his friends, neighbors and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Marie Hicks, wife, Wanda Jean Hicks in 2013 and his brother, Olen Carl Hicks.

He is survived by three sons, Joe Bob Hicks and wife Taffie of Shawnee, Larry Hicks and wife Pam of Noble and Brad Hicks and wife Laura of Wanette, one brother, Elroy Hicks of Tribbey, two sisters, Tommie Cunningham of Norman and Earleen Sherwin of Norman, twelve grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2016 at the Wanette First Baptist Church.

Interment will be at the Wanette Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell. Send online condolences @wilsonlittle.com.